Continuous light vs. flash strobes

[song4themoon]

I am looking to buy new, more powerful lighting. Right now I only have a cheap no name product. I want to be able to use it in my studio as well as taking it to wedding locations to help in certain reception sites.

My question... is continuous lighting any good? I found it much cheaper than the flash units that's is why I am trying to get more info on it now.

Using them for weddings.. will the continuous light be bothering?

Please give me your input on this! Thanks

[SkipD]

Continuous lighting is HOT, uncomfortable for live subjects to look into, and provides rather dim lighting compared to studio flash systems.

In addition, photoflood bulbs usually only last a couple of hours. You can shoot for weeks on end without having to replace anything with studio flash systems, even the low-priced units such as AlienBees.

[song4themoon]

What do you think about these strobes?

http://www.amvona.com/?page=shop/flypage&view=1&product_id=3203

The one thing that stands out on these is this in the description

"Avoid leaving modeling lamp on for more than 15 minutes at a time. Turn power off after usage and allow unit to cool off sufficiently."


Is this the case with Alien Bees too? It doesnt sound so great

[SkipD]

What do you think about these strobes?

http://www.amvona.com/?page=shop/flypage&view=1&product_id=3203

The one thing that stands out on these is this in the description

"Avoid leaving modeling lamp on for more than 15 minutes at a time. Turn power off after usage and allow unit to cool off sufficiently."


Is this the case with Alien Bees too? It doesnt sound so greatI wouldn't touch those units with a proverbial 10-foot pole.

For one thing, the modelling lights cannot track the level that you set for the flash, making the modeling lights virtually useless except to provide lighting for focusing. The modeling lights are very special lamps which you won't find easily if one burns out.

I doubt there's any support available for potential problems with those lights. Where would you get parts such as the flash tubes (or anything else that might break)? Etc. Etc.

If you are not using light modifiers such as honeycomb grids which enclose the space in the reflector, the modeling lights in the AlienBees can be left on virtually indefinitely. The supplied modeling lights with the AlienBees are only 100-watt bulbs. You can replace them with 150-watt Philips Halogena bulbs, available at Home Depot and many other places.

The Paul C. Buff organization (makers of AlienBees and White Lightning lights) has one of the absolute best Customer Service groups that I have ever dealt with. They will gladly help you pre-sale as well as post-sale. They take care of their customers and their products very well.

[song4themoon]

thanks skip

[kuanyu]

I would also strongly recomend looking at the Alien Bees , great light/Service/Price. I have actdently left my modeling lights on for a few days inside a AB softbox with no issues.

[Harleypugs]

I too would say Alien Bees....I just ordered the "digi" package and love them....

[feiron]

AB is in my wishlist ;) for summer

[RichNY]

If you've got a little more budget I'd highly recommend the Hensel 500s. They are superior the the ABs in every way except cost. 1/10 stop digital control, great built quality, fast recycle times, typical German product. Someone on the Sell forum has them priced well http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=428810&highlight=hensel

[Curtis N]

If you've got a little more budget I'd highly recommend the Hensel 500s. They are superior the the ABs in every way except cost.But do they come in five different colors?
;)

[RichNY]

The exterior is silver but the light is white ;)